Major Changes to Industrial Relations
In Janaury 2010 major changes were introduced to the Workplace Relations System across Australia. Like every other industry the Building and Construction Industry will be impacted. If you are a licensed builder or licensed tradesperson carrying on a business which employees people, or if you are employed in the Building and Construction Industry then these changes will affect you.
One of the most important changes is this:
NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania have referred their workplace relations powers to the Federal government. This means that all private sector employers (except partnerships and sole traders in WA) will be part of the new Commonwealth Industrial Relations System and from January 1, 2010 will come under the jurisdiction of the Fair Work Act 2009 and become part of the national system. So if this is you and you employ people or you are employed in the industry then it’s time to get up to date.
Sole traders and partnerships in NSW, TAS, QLD and SA have less than three weeks to implement significant changes to the way they manage employees. Keep an eye out for news and information about the changes and any concessions you may be given.
It is important to keep up to date especially if you are an employer. Fair Work for Small Business has a good web site with a free newsletter subscription.
The NSW Department of Industrial Relations e-news is also a good source of informatio on the changes and the impacts of the new legislation.
Other sources that you might be interested in:
- There is a new set of Modern Awards. Find the correct awards that relate to your business. If in doubt contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 131394 and check the AIRC website for changes on a regular basis or subscribe for updates.
- There is a new National Employment Standard. This NES works hand in hand with the Modern Awards and you should be familiar with this structure in relation to employment standards.
Important Note - the NES becomes effective for all employees under the national system from January 1, 2010. There is no transitional period. - Access government e-newsletters and websites, in particular:
The Fair Work Ombudsman
Fair Work Online
Fair Work for Small Business
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has developed transitional provisions for a lot of Awards to defer the introduction of new wages until mid 2010. This is designed to help some employers adjust to the extra costs they will incur. You’ll find these details in the Modern Awards. But don’t take this for granted. Check and get advice on what lee-way you have. As the AIRC has continued to update the Modern Awards, if you have downloaded any Awards that apply to your business, check for changes and make sure you have the latest version. Do this through the first half of 2010 to make sure you don’t miss out.
Filed Under: Legislation • Trade Administration
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